About Us
The Waupaca Historical Society, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1953 to preserve the history of the Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes area. The Waupaca Historical Society owns and operates four buildings: the Holly History and Genealogy Center located in the former library at 321 S. Main St.; the Hutchinson House Museum and the King Cottage, both located in South Park; and the Waupaca Railroad Depot at 525 Oak Street.
New members and volunteers are always welcome! Contact Tracy Behrendt, Director, at (715) 256-9980 or director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.
The mission of the Waupaca Historical Society is to preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of the Waupaca area.
WHS Board of Directors (Board meets the second Thursday of every month at 5:15 p.m. at the Holly Center):
Ashlie Buck, President
Mike Kirk, Vice President
Ryan Drazkowski, Treasurer
Betty Stewart, Secretary
Tanya Gauer
Brian Godfrey
Jeff Jenswold
Dennis Lear
Kent Pegorsch
Jeff Weasner
Nancy Weasner
Marge Writt
Cory Nagel (City Council Representative)
Staff: Tracy Behrendt, Director
Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!
Come visit us at the Holly Center at 321 S. Main Street during our open hours on
Wednesday through Friday,
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!
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What's Happening at the Waupaca Historical Society!
(all programs are at the Holly History and Genealogy Center unless otherwise noted)
2025 HOLLY CENTER HOURS: Wednesday-Friday,
10 am-2 pm
- Thurs., April 24, 6 pm: "Plank, Wheel & Rail: Wisconsin's Transportation History" with Jim Willaert, Wade House Historic Site
Appointments outside of open hours at any WHS buildings can be made at least two weeks in advance by calling the Holly History and Genealogy Center at (715) 256-9980 or emailing
Tracy Behrendt at
